Project Description 

Project Description:

The proposed project aims to establish a school and community center in a marginalized area to provide educational opportunities for children from underprivileged communities who currently have limited access to education. The project also aims to promote community development and engagement by creating a space for community members to participate in various activities and share knowledge and resources.

Problems/Needs/Situation Description:

The caste system has been a longstanding social structure in India, with five castes each assigned their own set of duties and occupations. However, this system has historically marginalized lower castes, who were often excluded from education and certain tasks. The untouchables faced even greater social exclusion.

Today, lower castes continue to face challenges, including job loss and a lack of skills development due to the impact of factory work. In one survey conducted by us (Umran) in the Akaunha region, it was found that a community had never attended school, which highlights their isolation from mainstream society. This has contributed to rising crime rates in Jaynagar city, with reports of robberies and murders.

To address this issue, it is crucial to create an inclusive and empowering environment that provides opportunities and promotes skill-building for children and their families. Overcoming caste-based discrimination requires collaborative efforts to promote equality and inclusivity in society. Government schools need to focus on developing a comprehensive culture of education and inclusivity. Umran’s project in Bihar is striving to create a set of positive cultural practices that will help address the issue at its core.

Project Summary:

Our goal is to construct a school/community center that spans 2000 square feet, accommodating approximately 200 students in grades 1-5 and 10 staff members. We anticipate expanding the area of the school in the future to accommodate more students as needed.

The primary aim of the school is to provide free quality education, activities, and workshops while developing a cohesive culture within the community.

The school we want to build will facilitate a whole set of cultures in society, offering a primary school, a small library, a computer lab, a residential area for teachers, volunteers, and guests from various states in India and abroad, a dining and conference hall, a cafe and market area to generate income for sustainability, toilets, a small playground, and an office and workshop area for local women. These facilities will ensure that the school/community center has all the necessary amenities for both education and community building, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Objectives:

1. To provide access to high-quality education for children from marginalized communities in Akaunha Village.

2. To promote community development and social cohesion by establishing a community center that provides space for various activities and resources.

3. To improve the economic and social conditions of the community by empowering children and adults through education and skills training.

Activities:

1. Establishing a school building: The project will begin by constructing a school building on the donated land. The building will include classrooms, a library, a computer lab, and other facilities required for a modern school.

2. Recruiting teachers: Once the school building is completed, the project will recruit qualified teachers to provide instruction to students.

3. Developing curriculum: The project will develop a curriculum that is in line with the requirements of the Bihar School Examination Board and is culturally relevant to the community.

4. Providing educational materials: The project will provide educational materials such as textbooks, workbooks, and other learning resources to students.

5. Organizing extracurricular activities: The project will organize extracurricular activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and cultural events to promote holistic development.

6. Establishing a community center: The project will establish a community center on the school premises that can be used for various activities such as adult education, vocational training, and community meetings.

7. Providing skills training: The project will provide skills training to community members to promote economic development and improve their standard of living.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Increased access to high-quality education for children from marginalized communities in Akaunha Village.

2. Improved social cohesion and community development through the establishment of a community center.

3. Empowerment of community members through education and skills training, leading to improved economic and social conditions.

Budget:

The total budget for the first stage of the project is estimated to be INR 20 lakhs. The budget will be allocated as follows:

• Construction of school building: INR 10 lakhs

• Educational materials: INR 3 lakhs

• Extracurricular activities: INR 2 lakhs

• Community center establishment: INR 3 lakhs

• Skills training: INR 2 lakhs

Project Stages

To ensure the success of our project, we have divided it into four stages, each of which will be completed over the course of four years.

Conclusion:

The proposed project aims to address the educational, economic, and social challenges faced by the community in Akaunha Village, Bihar. By establishing a school and community center, the project will provide children with access to high-quality education and empower community members through education and skills training. We hope that this project will contribute to the overall development of the community and create a brighter future for its residents.